Psalm 138:1-8
Q.1. What prompted the Psalmist to give thanks to God? How confident was the Psalmist that God would keep the promises of His Word? – (Ps.138:1-3)
We all love to see evidence that God has answered our prayers. The Psalmist’s praise and thanksgiving were his response to the fact that – On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul (Ps.138:3). However, it was much more than that. For him, it underscored a strong conviction that – … For You have magnified Your word according to all Your name i.e. You have kept Your promises that are consistent with Your Name (Ps.138:2). For instance, since God is Faithful and True He can only act according to His character (see Rev.19:11). This is a wonderful reassurance that God will never act contrary to the promises in His Word, because to do so would be a denial of His Name. He is even more than a faithful and true Shepherd and Counsellor (Is.9:6-7; Rev.19:11-16). It is impossible for Him to act in any other way.
Q.2. What message did the Psalmist want the kings of the nations to acknowledge? What difference would such a focus make? – (Ps.138:4-6)
Some leaders hold onto their power for a lifetime. Many do not. It makes all the difference, for a king to acknowledge that his glory pales into insignificance compared with that of the King of all kings. Such a consideration of his own impotence meant he would be loved by God, and by his subjects (Ps.138:4). It was also good for the king to remember that God hates pride, but gives grace to the humble – 5 … For great is the glory of the Lord. 6 For though the Lord is exalted, Yet He regards the lowly, But the haughty He knows from afar (Ps.138:5-6).
Q.3. How did the Psalmist face his problems? What made him confident that God would act on his behalf? – (Ps.138:7-8)
By dismissing God from their worldview, most people reduce life to uncertain randomness. However, the Psalmist trusted in a Creator Who exercised loving and sovereign control over him and cared for all the details of his life. He was confident that God had placed a boundary on the mischief of his enemies – 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me. 8 The Lord will accomplish what concerns me; Your lovingkindness, O Lord is everlasting … (Ps.138:7-8). That is a liberating way to journey through life.